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CarGo returns to Rockies after Classic

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By Thomas Harding
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MLB.com |

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez said Tuesday that participating in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela was strange because routines were disturbed, but he wouldn't trade the experience.

Venezuela went a disappointing 1-2 in Puerto Rico and didn't advance in pool play. A win Sunday over Spain at least kept Venezuela from having to qualify for the next Classic in 2017.

"The environment was great, but the other things are a little different -- preparation is not the same," said Gonzalez, who was back in the Rockies' clubhouse on Tuesday. "Everybody has their routine, things they like to do before games or to practice, and we didn't have a place to execute it. We only hit one time, batting practice on the field before the game.

"I feel good. I've played nine innings and we played high-intensity games. You put a little extra with that. I had fun. Obviously, we didn't play the way we wanted, but you only have three games and [if] you don't play the right way in two games, you're out. It's not like we were a bad team. Even good teams go through bad moments."

Gonzalez played all three outfield positions and went 3-for-11 with two walks, two strikeouts and an RBI. He also erased a runner on a throw to the plate.

Catcher Ramon Hernandez was 0-for-1 for Venezuela. Pitcher Jhoulys Chacin gave up four runs in 3 1/3 innings of his only Classic appearance.